§ 38. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a Resolution passed on 17th June by the magistrates of the county of Notts, who, being impressed with the extreme distress now existing among the miners and their families in portions of the county, are of opinion that steps should be taken by His Majesty's Government to tide over the emergency by allowing an immediate advance of such unemployment pay as would, under existing Regulations, be payable at a later date to such applicants as are wholly or partially unemployed; and whether the Government is prepared to take such steps?
§ 34. Mr. WILLIAM CARTERasked the Prime Minister whether he has received a communication from the Notts county magistrates asking for emergency relief to miners and their families who are suffering acute distress in certain districts; and, if so, what steps he intends to take to relieve the distress?
The MINISTER of LABOUR (Dr. Macnarnara)I have been asked to reply. I have received a copy of the resolution referred to, and have sent a reply, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend 1643 and my Noble Friend. I may add that a deputation from boards of guardians and others represented to the Prime Minister last Tuesday that a heavy burden is thrown upon Poor Law Unions by the "gaps" in unemployment benefit, and the Prime Minister in reply undertook to consider the matter in consultation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKHas any decision been come to? Are these people to be handed over entirely to boards of guardians?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have said that consideration is now being given to the matter.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKMeanwhile these people are starving.